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This month is a time to focus on women’s health issues, raise awareness about common conditions, and encourage preventive care. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in the healthcare field.
Dr. Tomeka Roberts has been a dedicated OB/GYN in Birmingham since 2003. A graduate of UAB in Materials Science and Engineering, Dr. Roberts went on to earn her medical degree from Meharry Medical College and completed her residency at the University of Florida in Jacksonville.
 In 2014, she founded the non-profit “Not On Our Watch” to educate young women about health and wellness. Drawing on her engineering background, Dr. Roberts also developed a groundbreaking, all-natural feminine wash designed to be safe and effective for women of all ages.

You combined your expertise in medicine and engineering to create a new feminine wash. What inspired you to develop this product, and how does it stand out from other options available?

Dr. Tomeka Roberts: Many of my patients would ask me what they could use to feel fresh and clean without disrupting their pH balance. At that time, I couldn’t find any products on the market that I felt comfortable recommending. That’s what motivated me to develop my own solution. My product is all-natural, free of parabens and sulfates, and made in the USA. What sets it apart is that it was formulated by someone who is both a board-certified OB/GYN and an engineer. I spent over a year perfecting the formula to ensure it would be safe and effective for my patients.

What challenges did you face in developing a product that is both effective and gentle?

Dr. Tomeka Roberts: There’s a fine balance when making a product that is both effective and gentle. The pH of the product is crucial. Also, when you are making natural products, you have to take into account shelf life and costs. Women want effective products, but also want a pleasant experience, which includes presentation, packaging, and a nice scent.

How do you see the future of feminine hygiene evolving, and what role do you hope your product will play in that future?

Dr. Tomeka Roberts: I see women becoming more educated about the products they use on their bodies. The skin is the largest organ on your body, so whatever you put on it is absorbed into your system. Hopefully, women will seek medical advice before trying some of these products. All products are not created equal, and not everyone on social media is an expert.

Balancing your roles as a physician, entrepreneur, wife, and mother must be challenging. How do you manage your time and maintain your well-being?

Dr. Tomeka Roberts: It’s hard! I am not perfect, and I don’t know if I have all the answers. But I do know that if I take care of myself, I can be a better physician, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. I lean on my village, which includes very good friends and family. I invest in my health by eating as clean as I can—which means no bread or rice—drinking lots of water, and exercising. My current hobby is training for a half-marathon.

How can readers connect online?  

Dr. Tomeka Roberts:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomekarobertsmd?igsh=czR1a2pkNGpmYjJh

 

 

Photo Credit: Photo Provided